MEA Parliament replies (6-7 Aug 2026): Arctic, UNSC seat

India’s Arctic policy and UNSC reform: what happened?

Two short replies, two exam favourites. One gives the exact title of India’s Arctic policy and the new label for Nordic ties. The other restates India’s line on a permanent UNSC seat.

• India and the Nordic countries work on renewables, green hydrogen, carbon capture, utilisation and storage, and critical minerals.
• LeadIT (Leadership Group for Industry Transition), launched by India and Sweden in 2019, has been joined by most Nordic countries.
• Leaders agreed to improve Nordic and Indo-Pacific connectivity, in line with IMEC; India has direct flights to Finland and Denmark.
• India has begun Maritime Security Dialogues with Norway and Denmark.
• On the UNSC, India wants expansion in both permanent and non-permanent seats and early text-based negotiations with timelines.

Who does Arctic research for India?

• The National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research works with Nordic institutions on glaciers, ocean life and marine pollution.
• Himadri in Svalbard is India’s Arctic research station.

Why does India’s Arctic policy and UNSC reform matter?

• Climate and science: The Arctic is studied for glacier and ocean change.
• Diplomacy: India raises its UNSC case with all five permanent members.

What can Prelims ask on India’s Arctic policy and UNSC reform?

• Arctic Policy title: “India and the Arctic: Building a Partnership for Sustainable Development” (2022).
• Himadri: India’s station in Svalbard.
• LeadIT: India and Sweden, 2019.
• India-Nordic: Green Technology and Innovation Strategic Partnership (May 2026).